Amazon Echo Show 8 Smart Display Screen with Alexa: Complete Guide & Reviews
An Amazon Echo Show smart display screen brings Alexa to life with visual feedback, making your daily routines more intuitive and enjoyable. Whether you're checking weather, managing smart home devices, making video calls, or streaming entertainment, a smart display with Alexa transforms how you interact with your connected home. Unlike standalone Alexa speakers, these touchscreen devices let you see recipes, security camera feeds, calendars, and more—all at a glance. In this guide, we'll explore the top Echo Show options available today, help you understand what features matter most, and show you how to integrate them into your smart home ecosystem.
Our Top Picks for Amazon Echo Show Smart Display Screens
We've selected the best Amazon Echo Show models across different sizes and budgets to suit various home layouts and needs.
Amazon
Amazon Echo Show 8 (newest model), Vibrant HD 8.7" display with spatial audio, Designed for Alexa+, Graphite
- Powerfully smart, beautifully built: The redesigned 8.7" smart display features a vibrant HD touchscreen with 15% more viewing area versus Echo Show 8 (2023 release), built-in smart home hub, AZ3 Pro chip for powerful performance, and Omnisense technology for highly personalized experiences.
- Content sounds incredible: Stream music or watch shows on Prime Video, Netflix, and more. All with room-filling spatial audio, crisper vocals, wider sound stage, and up to 2x bass versus Echo Show 8 (2023 release). With Alexa+, find the name of that song you love and discover new shows based on your preferences.
- Your everyday assistant: See recipes and calendars at a glance, easily find meal inspo and manage your shopping lists. With Alexa+, find recipes based on foods you love, make reservations, order groceries, and more.
- Simple Smart Home control: Pair and control thousands of devices that work with Alexa without needing a separate smart home hub. Easily view your camera feeds. Manage lights, thermostats, and more using the display or your voice. With Omnisense technology, you can activate routines via temperature, presence, or visual ID detection.
* As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
This newest Echo Show 8 is our top overall recommendation, featuring a redesigned 8.7" vibrant HD touchscreen with 15% more viewing area than the previous 2023 model. The AZ3 Pro chip delivers powerful performance, while Omnisense technology personalizes your experience through temperature, presence, and visual ID detection—enabling smart routines that adapt to your home automatically. Enhanced spatial audio provides room-filling sound with crisper vocals and up to 2x more bass, making it excellent for music streaming and video content.
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Amazon Echo Show 8, With Spatial Audio, Smart Home Hub, ideal for open living spaces, Designed for Alexa+, Charcoal
- Better inside and out – Entertainment is more immersive with spatial audio and an 8" HD touchscreen. Video calling is crisper with high-quality sound and a 13 MP camera. And your home is more connected than ever with the built-in smart home hub.
- Vibrant sights, full sound – Content on Prime Video, Netflix, Fire TV Channels, and more comes to life with an HD display and room-filling spatial audio. Ask Alexa to stream Amazon Music, Apple Music, or Spotify. Subscriptions for some services required.
- Smart home, simplified – Pair and control devices compatible with Zigbee, Matter, and Thread without a separate smart home hub. Manage cameras, lights, and more using the display or your voice, or activate routines via motion. Also supports connectivity via Bluetooth and wifi.
- Stay in the loop – Video call hands-free using your voice, or use the new Top Connections widget to call with one tap. Have more natural video conversations with a centered, auto-framing camera and noise reduction technology.
* As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
The Echo Show 8 (2023 release) in Charcoal remains an excellent value choice if you're looking for proven reliability at a lower price point. It delivers the fundamentals perfectly: an 8" HD touchscreen, built-in smart home hub supporting Zigbee, Matter, and Thread devices, high-quality 13 MP camera for video calls, and spatial audio for immersive entertainment. This model is ideal if you want to avoid the premium price of the newest iteration while still getting a capable, full-featured smart display.
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Amazon Echo Show 8, With Spatial Audio, Smart Home Hub, ideal for open living spaces, Designed for Alexa+, Glacier White
- Better inside and out – Entertainment is more immersive with spatial audio and an 8" HD touchscreen. Video calling is crisper with high-quality sound and a 13 MP camera. And your home is more connected than ever with the built-in smart home hub.
- Vibrant sights, full sound – Content on Prime Video, Netflix, Fire TV Channels, and more comes to life with an HD display and room-filling spatial audio. Ask Alexa to stream Amazon Music, Apple Music, or Spotify. Subscriptions for some services required.
- Smart home, simplified – Pair and control devices compatible with Zigbee, Matter, and Thread without a separate smart home hub. Manage cameras, lights, and more using the display or your voice, or activate routines via motion. Also supports connectivity via Bluetooth and wifi.
- Stay in the loop – Video call hands-free using your voice, or use the new Top Connections widget to call with one tap. Have more natural video conversations with a centered, auto-framing camera and noise reduction technology.
* As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
For those preferring a modern aesthetic, the Echo Show 8 in Glacier White matches minimalist or bright decor beautifully while offering identical features to the Charcoal version. The white finish complements contemporary kitchens, bedrooms, and living spaces, and the touchscreen performs identically across all smart home controls, video calling, and entertainment streaming.
Amazon
Amazon Echo Show 11 (newest model), Vibrant Full-HD 11" display with more viewing area and spatial audio, Designed for Alexa+, Graphite
- New size, more viewing area: The 11“ smart display features a vibrant Full-HD touchscreen with 60% more viewing area versus Echo Show 8 (2025 release), built-in smart home hub, AZ3 Pro chip for powerful performance, and Omnisense technology for highly personalized experiences.
- Content looks and sounds incredible: Watch shows on Prime Video, Netflix, and more on the vibrant Full-HD 11" screen and enjoy room-filling spatial audio, crisper vocals, wider sound stage, and up to 2x bass versus Echo Show 8 (2023 release). With Alexa+, find the name of that song you love and discover new shows based on your preferences.
- Your everyday assistant: The 11" display makes it easy to see recipes and calendars at a glance, find meal inspo, and manage your shopping lists. With Alexa+, find recipes based on foods you love, make reservations, order groceries, and more.
- Simple Smart Home control: Pair and control thousands of devices that work with Alexa without needing a separate smart home hub. Easily view your camera feeds. Manage lights, thermostats, and more using the display or your voice. With Omnisense technology, you can activate routines via temperature, presence, or visual ID detection.
* As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
If you have an open living space or simply prefer a larger viewing surface, the Echo Show 11 (newest model) provides 60% more screen real estate than the Echo Show 8, featuring a vibrant Full-HD 11" display. The larger format makes reading recipes, managing complex smart home setups, and watching video content substantially more enjoyable. It includes the same powerful AZ3 Pro chip, Omnisense personalization, and spatial audio capabilities as the Echo Show 8 newest model—just with a more commanding presence.
Amazon
Amazon Echo Show 11 (newest model), Vibrant Full-HD 11" display with more viewing area and spatial audio, Designed for Alexa+, Glacier White
- New size, more viewing area: The 11“ smart display features a vibrant Full-HD touchscreen with 60% more viewing area versus Echo Show 8 (2025 release), built-in smart home hub, AZ3 Pro chip for powerful performance, and Omnisense technology for highly personalized experiences.
- Content looks and sounds incredible: Watch shows on Prime Video, Netflix, and more on the vibrant Full-HD 11" screen and enjoy room-filling spatial audio, crisper vocals, wider sound stage, and up to 2x bass versus Echo Show 8 (2023 release). With Alexa+, find the name of that song you love and discover new shows based on your preferences.
- Your everyday assistant: The 11" display makes it easy to see recipes and calendars at a glance, find meal inspo, and manage your shopping lists. With Alexa+, find recipes based on foods you love, make reservations, order groceries, and more.
- Simple Smart Home control: Pair and control thousands of devices that work with Alexa without needing a separate smart home hub. Easily view your camera feeds. Manage lights, thermostats, and more using the display or your voice. With Omnisense technology, you can activate routines via temperature, presence, or visual ID detection.
* As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
The Echo Show 11 in Glacier White brings the same premium features and expansive Full-HD screen in a sleek white finish, perfect for bright spaces where the larger display can serve as a beautiful room focal point. Premium build quality and the same advanced smart home integrations make this ideal for households that prioritize both functionality and interior design harmony.
Amazon
Amazon Echo Show 5 (newest model), Smart display, Designed for Alexa+, 2x the bass and clearer sound, Charcoal
- Alexa can show you more - Echo Show 5 includes a 5.5” display so you can see news and weather at a glance, make video calls, view compatible cameras, stream music and shows, and more.
- Small size, bigger sound – Stream your favorite music, shows, podcasts, and more from providers like Amazon Music, Spotify, and Prime Video—now with deeper bass and clearer vocals. Includes a 5.5" display so you can view shows, song titles, and more at a glance.
- Keep your home comfortable – Control compatible smart devices like lights and thermostats, even while you're away.
- See more with the built-in camera – Check in on your family, pets, and more using the built-in camera. Drop in on your home when you're out or view the front door from your Echo Show 5 with compatible video doorbells.
* As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
The Echo Show 5 (newest model) in Charcoal is perfect for kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, or home offices where space is limited or a secondary smart display is needed. With a 5.5" display, enhanced bass, and clearer sound, it handles basic Alexa commands, video calls with family, and camera feeds with ease. At a lower price point, it's an excellent entry point into the Echo Show ecosystem without compromising core functionality.
Amazon
Amazon Echo Show 5 (newest model), Smart display, Designed for Alexa+, 2x the bass and clearer sound, Glacier White
- Alexa can show you more - Echo Show 5 includes a 5.5” display so you can see news and weather at a glance, make video calls, view compatible cameras, stream music and shows, and more.
- Small size, bigger sound – Stream your favorite music, shows, podcasts, and more from providers like Amazon Music, Spotify, and Prime Video—now with deeper bass and clearer vocals. Includes a 5.5" display so you can view shows, song titles, and more at a glance.
- Keep your home comfortable – Control compatible smart devices like lights and thermostats, even while you're away.
- See more with the built-in camera – Check in on your family, pets, and more using the built-in camera. Drop in on your home when you're out or view the front door from your Echo Show 5 with compatible video doorbells.
* As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
The Echo Show 5 in Glacier White offers the same compact smart display benefits as the Charcoal model with a clean white aesthetic. It's an ideal addition to any room where you want weather updates, quick smart home control, or photo slideshows without taking up much counter or shelf space.
E-YIIVIIL
E-yiiviil Replacement LCD Display Touch Screen Digitizer Assembly Compatible with Echo Show 8 3rd 8" with Tools（Black）
- This digitizer is designed for ECHO show 8 3rd. In order to ensure seamless installation and stable use of your purchased accessories, please be sure to double check that the model number of the equipment you need to replace is exactly the same as the model number in the list above before placing your order.
- Broken screen, screen malfunction, dead pixels, touch inactivity, touch response problems, cracked LCD, display problems, false colour problems, non-functional LCD, etc. Before purchasing, please be sure to find a professional technician to test and repair the screen to determine the reason for the screen failure. If it is because the motherboard of the tablet device is faulty, the power supply is faulty, etc., even if you replace the screen assembly can not solve the problem!
- All products go through a series of rigorous tests before shipment and are well packaged. Packaging is also very attentive, the inner layer is wrapped tightly with shockproof bubble wrap, and the outer layer is covered with a sturdy cardboard box to try to avoid bumps during transportation and ensure that you receive well-packaged products.
- Tools and special 3M tape (to hold the edges of the screen in place for a more secure fit) are included, and while there are no paper instructions, there are plenty of clear video demonstrations on YouTube, so you can search for a relevant installation video and follow the steps. We are sorry to say that we do not accept any damages caused by improper installation, so please make sure you understand the video or seek professional help before installing.
* As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
If you own an Echo Show 8 (3rd generation) and have experienced a cracked or malfunctioning screen, this E-YIIVIIL replacement LCD display and touch screen digitizer assembly can restore your device to full functionality. The package includes installation tools and 3M tape for secure mounting; professional installation or careful video tutorial review is recommended. This is a cost-effective repair alternative to full device replacement.
What to Look For in Amazon Echo Show Smart Display Screens
Display Size and Resolution
Amazon Echo Show models range from 5.5" to 11" screens, each with different resolutions suited to various viewing distances. The 5.5" Echo Show 5 works well on nightstands or desks, while 8" and 11" models are better for kitchens and living rooms where you'll view them from further away. Larger screens improve readability for recipes, calendars, and camera feeds. Higher resolution (HD vs. Full-HD) makes streaming content sharper and more enjoyable, particularly if you watch Prime Video or Netflix regularly.
Smart Home Hub Capability
All Echo Show models include a built-in smart home hub, allowing you to control Zigbee, Matter, and Thread-enabled devices without a separate hub purchase. This is a significant advantage over Echo Dot or other smart speakers. The hub functionality lets you create more reliable automations, maintain device connectivity even when WiFi drops momentarily, and manage a larger number of connected accessories throughout your home seamlessly.
Audio Quality and Spatial Audio
Look for models featuring spatial audio technology, which creates a room-filling sound experience with deeper bass and crisper vocals compared to standard stereo. The newest Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 11 offer significantly improved audio performance—up to 2x more bass than older models. If you plan to stream music, podcasts, or watch films on your display, superior audio quality enhances the experience substantially and justifies the investment in newer models.
Camera Features for Video Calling
Higher-megapixel cameras (13 MP) with auto-framing, centered positioning, and noise reduction technology make video calls feel natural and professional. Look for zoom capabilities (3.3x zoom on newer models) and drop-in features that let family check on pets or children remotely. Larger displays combined with quality cameras create more satisfying video call experiences, making the Echo Show 8 and 11 better choices if video calling is a priority.
How to Set Up Amazon Echo Show Smart Display Screens in Your Smart Home
Setting up an Echo Show is straightforward: download the Alexa app, plug in your device, and follow the on-screen prompts to connect to your WiFi network. Once connected, sign into your Amazon account and authorize the device. The built-in smart home hub automatically activates—no additional setup required. To add compatible devices like smart lights or thermostats, open the Alexa app, navigate to "Devices," and select "Add Device." The Echo Show will discover compatible accessories and add them to your smart home network. For advanced automations, create routines using the app or voice commands. If you're expanding your setup, explore pairing your Echo Show with smart lighting systems for voice-controlled brightness and color, or smart climate controls to manage temperature from the display itself. The visual interface makes managing multiple smart home categories far more intuitive than voice-only speakers.
How Amazon Echo Show Smart Display Screens Compare to Other Smart Home Upgrades
While standalone Alexa speakers are more affordable, Echo Show displays provide visual feedback that speakers cannot—essential for security camera feeds, recipe viewing, and complex smart home management. Compared to dedicated smart home hubs like Samsung SmartThings, Echo Show devices combine display, speaker, and hub functions in one device, eliminating redundancy. If you're choosing between an Echo Show and other smart home investments, prioritize displays if you value convenience, then layer in smart security cameras and smart locks for comprehensive automation. The built-in hub saves you $50–100 versus purchasing a separate hub, making Echo Show excellent value for new smart home builders.
Our Verdict
The Amazon Echo Show 8 (newest model) is our top recommendation for most homeowners, offering the best balance of screen size, performance, audio quality, and smart home hub integration. If space or budget is limited, the Echo Show 5 is an exceptional entry point. For open living spaces where a commanding display enhances functionality and aesthetics, the Echo Show 11 justifies the premium. All models feature Alexa+ compatibility and deliver reliable, intuitive smart home control—choose based on your room size and content consumption preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Amazon Echo Show displays require an Alexa+ subscription?
No, basic Echo Show functionality—including smart home control, weather, calendar, and video calls—works without a subscription. However, Alexa+ adds premium features like recipe discovery based on ingredients you love, advanced show recommendations, and smart grocery ordering, making it valuable if you use those services regularly.
Can I use an Echo Show display without a Prime membership?
Yes, absolutely. While some features (like unlimited cloud photo storage and easy Prime Video access) benefit Prime members, basic Alexa control, weather, smart home hub functionality, and video calling all work without Prime membership.
What's the difference between the Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 11?
The primary difference is screen size: the Echo Show 11 has 60% more viewing area with a Full-HD 11" display versus the Echo Show 8's 8.7" HD screen. Both feature the same AZ3 Pro chip, Omnisense technology, and spatial audio. Choose the 11 if you have an open living space or watch video content frequently; the 8 is sufficient for most kitchens and bedrooms.
Can I control my Echo Show with voice only, or do I need the touchscreen?
The touchscreen is optional—all Echo Show models respond to voice commands ("Alexa, turn on the lights" or "Alexa, show me the front door camera"). However, the touchscreen provides a faster, more intuitive interface for complex tasks like browsing recipes, managing multiple smart home routines, or adjusting settings.
Does the built-in smart home hub work with all smart devices?
The Echo Show hub works with devices using Zigbee, Matter, and Thread protocols, plus Bluetooth and WiFi devices. Most major smart home brands (Philips Hue, LIFX, Eve, etc.) support at least one of these standards. Check device compatibility in the Alexa app before purchase to ensure your existing accessories will connect.